Evidence-based analysis of economic
development and transformation
The Transformation Lens was established by Duma Gqubule and Colene Agbleke who combined their decades of experience and expertise in economic development, transformation, event-planning and the management of high-profile cross-border events on the African continent.
We provide evidence-based analysis of issues relating to economic development and transformation and create media products and events that will inform and enrich public dialogue. We blend thought leadership, research, writing, story-telling and events that drive meaningful change across the economy and sectors.
Meet The Transformation Lens
Established by Duma Gqubule and Colene Agbleke to provide evidence-based analysis of issues relating to economic development and transformation and create media platforms and events that will enrich public dialogue. The company blends thought leadership, research, writing, storytelling and strategic consulting to drive meaningful change across the economy and sectors.
Duma has spent 30 years as a financial journalist, author, researcher and advisor on issues related to economic development and transformation. He was educated at Aberdeen University in Scotland where he studied economics. He first worked as a financial journalist for most of the country’s top publications and wrote about the companies that participated in the first wave of Black Economic Empowerment transactions. This work was recognised and he later worked for the BEE Commission, which was chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He was co-author of the commission’s landmark report in 2002.
In 2006, he was editor of the book: “Making Mistakes, Righting Wrongs: Insights into Black Economic Empowerment,” which reviewed the country’s transformation policies during the first decade of democracy. In 2022, the BEE Commission gave him a spearhead award for his work in this area.
Duma has worked for many organisations in the public and private sector and internationally. As part of Pax Africa, he worked for the NEPAD secretariat, where he was one of the experts who drafted the indicators for the African Peer Review Mechanism. He has a heterodox and Pan-African approach to economic policy and is respected by people across the political spectrum for his evidence-based analysis. He has been part of civil society campaigns for universal basic income and a job guarantee while doing research for the organisations such as the Social Policy Initiative and Youth Capital. He is a Business Day columnist who writes for other publications and is a public speaker and commentator.
Colene has over 25 years of expertise in event planning and management, with a distinguished record of delivering high-profile events across Africa. A dynamic event architect, she is recognized for her passion in curating flagship experiences and her ability to transform bold ideas into lasting impact. Her career has honed a deep understanding of the complexities of international conferencing, where meticulous planning and cultural sensitivity are essential. While working with an international professional services company, she successfully organized major gatherings across the continent, earning a reputation for flawless execution. For the past decade, Colene has collaborated with business leader Elias Masilela on the Number 43 Trelawney Park Legacy Project in Eswatini and South Africa.
Through commemorative events honoring a historic home that sheltered political exiles during the struggle for democracy, she has deepened her passion for the continent and strengthened her commitment to showcasing its treasures. Her unique strength lies in blending strategic insight with storytelling. With a strong background in stakeholder engagement and partnerships, she excels at translating complex agendas into immersive, accessible experiences—whether through intimate roundtables, thought-provoking workshops, or large-scale conferences. Her work consistently bridges business, culture, and community, leaving a legacy of impact long after the event concludes. Through the Transformation Lens, Colene leverages her expertise to convene diverse voices, foster meaningful dialogue, and spotlight innovative solutions that drive inclusive growth. Her work is defined by amplifying impact, bridging communities, and ensuring transformation is not just discussed but truly experienced.
